Registrars at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, (KNUST), have been advised on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance their administrative work during their 2024 Annual Workshop.

This year's workshop dubbed: "Leveraging emerging trends for effective university administration", dealt with the advancing role of technology in administrative work.

Over three days, the Senior Members of the university will engage in discussions on how to adapt to the operations of university administration at the Maaha Beach Resort at Anochie in the Western Region.

KNUST Registrar, Mr. Andrews Kwasi Boateng explained the importance of professional development among university registrars.

He said there was a high demand for introducing new technologies in enhancing administrative tasks.

"This retreat is an opportunity for us to explore the use of emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence, and how it can enhance our administrative function," he said.

The Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Professor Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson, reminded participants to adapt to new trends in university administration that would enhance their roles.

She advised that there should be no room for complacency, as university administrators have to make progress to remain relevant at their jobs.

"Every professional journey is from A to Z. It is not just about the final outcome but the entire process that demands our full engagement. For us to thrive, personal development is key. How are you setting yourself up to succeed? What is your Midas touch? What unique quality do you bring that contributes to the growth of our university?” she quizzed.

She urged participants on the importance of documentation and record keeping in university administration.

"If you do not document your achievements, they remain unseen. The evidence of your work is necessary, and we rely on the registrar's office to provide documentation," she said.

Senior Assistant Registrar at the KNUST E-Learning Centre, Mr. Christopher Addo, took the registrars through the application of Artificial Intelligence in university administration.

He explained how AI can perform administrative tasks thereby reducing human labour.

"AI should be used to assist administrators and not replace them, which, in some aspect, shows its potential for productivity enhancement through the automation of certain routine tasks," he explained.

Mr. Addo, called for continuous learning and collaboration among staff at universities for the successful implementation of these technologies.

Other sessions were on personal development and team-building techniques led by Ms. Ama Duncan, a corporate trainer.

Ms. Duncan revealed that the secret to good leadership is about self-awareness and constant growth in life.

She encouraged participants to operate with an abundant mentality, removing imposter syndrome, seeking validation within oneself, not from others.

Speaking on practical techniques for team building, she said "Communication with teams is part of the leader's job to make sure the members around them feel confident enough to speak their minds. Get to know the interests, cultural backgrounds and styles of communications by other team members.”

The workshop also addressed some of the challenges that university administrators face in managing the demands of the role.

Professor Dickson shared her thoughts on the challenges of personnel management and the negative feedback that is often evident in their role.

“Managing people is one of the most challenging aspects of your job," she said.

The registrars recommended regular training sessions to be abreast with technology, and teamwork across departments.